Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 26, 2025

Thank you for visiting https://osou.ac.in/, the official website of Odisha State Open University (OSOU), Sambalpur. Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website or related services, including the Learning Management System (LMS) at webportal.osou.ac.in. By accessing or using our website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

1. Introduction

https://osou.ac.in/ is the official website of OSOU, established by the Odisha Government in 2015 to provide open and distance learning programs. This policy applies to all users, including students, applicants, and visitors accessing our website, LMS, or mobile app.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

a) Personal Information (Voluntarily Provided)

This includes:

  • Name, email address, phone number, and address provided during admission, registration, or inquiries.
  • Academic details (e.g., mark sheets, certificates) submitted for admission or verification.
  • Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) ID, as mandated by NEP 2020.
  • Information provided through contact forms, emails, or interactions with study centers.

b) Non-Personal Information (Automatically Collected)

When you visit our website or LMS, we may collect:

  • IP address, browser type, device type, and operating system.
  • Pages visited, time spent, and referring/exit pages.
  • Usage data via cookies or analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Process admissions, registrations, and examination-related activities.
  • Provide access to e-Resources, including the OER Repository, e-Library, and video lessons.
  • Respond to inquiries and provide support via email or toll-free number.
  • Personalize your experience on the LMS and mobile app.
  • Monitor website performance, traffic, and security.
  • Send updates on academic schedules, exams, or university initiatives (e.g., ATISH, DAKSHATA).
  • Comply with legal and regulatory requirements, including ABC integration.

OSOU does not sell, rent, or lease your personal data to third parties.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies to enhance your experience:

  • Essential Cookies: Enable website and LMS functionality (e.g., login sessions).
  • Analytics Cookies: Track usage patterns to improve services (e.g., via Google Analytics).
  • Preference Cookies: Store preferences like language or region.

You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit access to certain features, such as the LMS.

5. Third-Party Services

We may use third-party tools, such as:

  • Google Analytics: To analyze website traffic and user behavior.
  • External Platforms: Links to the ABC portal (nad.digilocker.gov.in) for academic credential management.

These services operate under their own privacy policies, and OSOU is not responsible for their practices.

6. Data Storage and Retention

  • Personal information is stored securely on encrypted servers and retained only as long as necessary for academic or administrative purposes (e.g., admission records, exam results).
  • Non-personal data (e.g., analytics) may be retained indefinitely for statistical purposes.
  • You may request deletion of your data, subject to legal or academic requirements, by contacting info@osou.ac.in.

7. Data Security

We implement robust security measures, including:

  • HTTPS and SSL encryption for data transmission.
  • Regular server monitoring and software updates.
  • Restricted access to personal data by authorized personnel only.

While we strive to protect your data, no system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are not intended for individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If such data is inadvertently collected, we will delete it promptly upon notification.

9. Your Rights and Choices

You may have the following rights, depending on your jurisdiction:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
  • Correction: Request updates to inaccurate information.
  • Deletion: Request removal of your data, subject to academic or legal obligations.
  • Objection: Object to specific uses of your data (e.g., communications).

To exercise these rights, contact info@osou.ac.in or call 1800-34567-58.

10. External Links

Our website may link to external sites, such as nad.digilocker.gov.in or other educational platforms. We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Review their policies before sharing information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

OSOU may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of the website after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Us

For questions, feedback, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:

  • Email: info@osou.ac.in (general) or admission@osou.ac.in (admissions).
  • Toll-Free: 1800-34567-58.
  • Address: Odisha State Open University, G.M. University Campus, Sambalpur, Odisha – 768004.

By continuing to use https://osou.ac.in/ or related services, you agree to this Privacy Policy.